UNSC’s Gaza Aid Resolution Vote Delayed Again As Biden Administration Struggles To Alter Key Wordings

On Wednesday (20 December), the United Nations Security Council once again postponed voting on a new resolution for urgently needed aid to Gaza.

The Joe Biden administration is working to modify key wordings in high-level negotiations to avoid a US veto as reported by The Hindu.

The US aims to alter references to a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the part about UN inspection of trucks carrying humanitarian goods, opposed by Israel.

Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the UAE, sponsoring the Arab-backed resolution, mentioned ongoing high-level discussions to reach an agreeable text.

She stated, "Everyone wants to see a resolution that has impact and that is implementable on the ground, We believe today, giving a little bit of space for additional diplomacy, could yield positive results.”

The original text called for the urgent suspension of hostilities, safe humanitarian access, and steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby raised additional issues not in the resolution, including condemnation of Hamas' 7 October incursion into southern Israel. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope for a new resolution, emphasising intensive and good-faith negotiations.

Previously, on 8 December, the US vetoed a resolution for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.

The General Assembly approved a similar resolution on 12 December.

The US has consistently called for condemnation of Hamas and recognition of Israel's right to self-defence, not included in adopted resolutions or the latest draft.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated Israel's readiness for a humanitarian pause and additional aid to facilitate hostage release.